President Donald Trump revives a Super Bowl tradition by sitting down with Fox News anchor Bret Baier for a pre-game interview, discussing key policies and potential tariffs.
Quick Takes
- Trump’s interview with Bret Baier marks the return of the presidential Super Bowl interview tradition
- The interview covers Trump’s policies on tariffs, immigration, and fentanyl inflow
- This is Baier’s first one-on-one interview with Trump since summer 2023
- The pre-taped interview will air at 3:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, Feb. 9
- Fox expects high ratings for the Super Bowl, with some ad spots reaching $8 million
Trump Revives Presidential Super Bowl Interview Tradition
In a move that harks back to a long-standing Super Bowl tradition, President Donald Trump has agreed to participate in a pre-game interview with Fox News anchor Bret Baier. This decision marks a significant return to form, as the custom of interviewing sitting presidents during the Super Bowl pregame show had been neglected in recent years. The interview, set to air at 3:00 p.m. ET on Sunday, February 9, is expected to draw substantial viewership as part of the buildup to the championship game between the Kansas City Chiefs and the Philadelphia Eagles.
The tradition of presidential Super Bowl interviews dates back to 2004, typically rotating among the four major networks that host the event. However, this practice has seen interruptions in recent years, with Trump himself skipping the interview in 2018 and former President Joe Biden declining invitations in both 2023 and 2024. Trump’s return to this custom underscores the significance of the Super Bowl as a national event and its potential as a platform for presidential communication.
Key Policies and Tariffs Take Center Stage
During the interview, Baier and Trump are expected to delve into the President’s policy directives for his second administration. The conversation is set to cover a range of critical issues, including proposed tariffs on Canada, Mexico, and China. These economic measures are reportedly aimed at addressing two of the most pressing challenges facing the nation: the influx of fentanyl and illegal immigration.
“Baier asked Trump about issues related to the policies he has advanced during the first weeks of his second administration, according to Fox News.” Fox News
The discussion of these policies in such a high-profile setting suggests that the Trump administration is keen to communicate its stance on trade and border security to a broad audience. The Super Bowl pregame show provides an unparalleled opportunity to reach millions of Americans who may not typically engage with political content.
A Reunited Pair: Trump and Baier
This interview marks a significant moment for both Trump and Baier, as it represents their first one-on-one conversation since the summer of 2023. The gap in their direct engagements adds an element of anticipation to the interview, with viewers likely curious about the dynamic between the two and the potential for challenging questions or revealing responses.
“More portions of the conversation will air on Feb. 10 via “Special Report with Bret Baier.”” Fox News
Fox News has announced that additional segments of the interview will be broadcast on February 10 during “Special Report with Bret Baier,” indicating that the conversation may cover more ground than can be included in the pregame segment. This extended coverage suggests that the interview may touch on a wide range of topics beyond those initially previewed, potentially offering viewers a more comprehensive look at Trump’s current political stance and future plans.
Super Bowl Spotlight on Presidential Politics
As the Kansas City Chiefs prepare to face the Philadelphia Eagles in a highly anticipated championship matchup, the inclusion of Trump’s interview in the pregame festivities adds an extra layer of national significance to the event. Fox’s decision to revive this presidential interview tradition not only serves their broadcasting interests but also reinforces the Super Bowl’s status as a cultural touchstone that extends far beyond the realm of sports.
With Fox having sold out all advertising slots for the game, some reaching a staggering $8 million, the network is poised for potentially record-breaking viewership. The inclusion of a presidential interview in this high-stakes broadcasting environment underscores the intertwining of sports, media, and politics in American culture. As viewers tune in for both the game and the pregame coverage, they will be treated to a unique blend of athletic competition and political discourse, making this year’s Super Bowl a truly multifaceted national event.
Sources:
- Trump to Revive Presidential Super Bowl Tradition That Biden Scrapped
- Trump to Revive Presidential Super Bowl Tradition That Biden Scrapped
